Dr. Ryan Meers

About me

I have a passion for education and especially for ensuring that all of us continue to apply what we have learned. I am excited about the opportunity that the Lounge provides for all of us to discuss how we are applying what we have learned & to share those great ideas.

I have had a varied background from secondary education to corporate training & now working in the career college sector. But while I have moved in different circles it has always been surrounding my passion of education. I look forward to our conversations.

Website

http://www.maxknowledge.com/faculty.php?id=11172

Activity

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

Deborah, Thank you for your thoughts & I definitely agree. While coaching can be viewed as the more soft, person-centered approach, this does not mean the manager is detached, distant or dictatorial. An effective leader can utilize both sets of skills and understands when to do both. Great comments. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

It’s All About Relationship!

Great comments. I also think it is important, as mentioned in the coursework, when the emotions are rising to take a step back & even break for a few moments. This should help maintain the focus on the positive. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Effective Presenter

Great ideas. Two things I would add for your consideration, not must do's but possibilities: 1. Visual handout of some kind--for those who are more visual learners this can help make your point 2. In preparation, video yourself. This can be a humbling experience but I've found it to be invaluable. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

It is amazing how powerful a well placed and thought out question can be. I appreciate your comments about listening a lot as I have found that by careful listening I can ask much more effective questions. In this way, the other party knows I'm hearing them & not just trying to further my agenda. Great approach. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

William, You are definitely correct in your distinguishing between managing and coaching. In my opinion, the effective leader will know when it is best to utilize both sets of skills. Unfortunately some supervisors only rely on harsh management skills & coercive tactics rather than the more effective coaching & leadership approach. Great comments. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

Richard, Great comments. I do agree with you that coaching can be & should be part of the daily routine. Now I do believe that there should be some designated, set aside time for specific developmental conversations with employees. But then I agree that the less formal coaching can occur during the daily interactions especially to provide feedback based on the topics discussed during the more formal conversations. Some great thoughts Richard, thanks for your involvement. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Capable Coach

Richard, I completely agree with what you have written & appreciate your thorough analysis. It has been my experience in working with leaders that they often struggle most with your last point, becoming comfortable functioning in both roles. It seems that often they are either good managers or good coaches but struggle with being both. A question I would throw at you with the idea of manager/coach: -Is it possible to effectively incorporate coaching into the day to day activities of managing or does it need to be a somewhat separate discussion/event? I would love to hear your thoughts on… >>>

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

It’s All About Relationship!

Good observation. I would also refer back to your comments under building credibility. The steps you mentioned there will go along way towards building those positive working relationships. Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Effective Presenter

Great ideas. One thing I would suggest in regard to your comment about rehearsing is to videotape yourself. Obviously not all presentations warrant this much preparation, but this can be a great tool to use for the bigger presentations. And believe me, it can also be a very humbling experience! Ryan

Dr. Ryan Meers

Discussion Comment

The Skilled Persuader

I could not agree with you more. The authenticity & trust factor is a major component of building that credibility within your organization & in reality in all walks of life. How do try to build credibility in situations where you do not have the time to lay this foundation of trust & authenticity? Is it possible? I'd be curious to hear your thoughts. Ryan

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